SWJ Consulting has extensive experience working across the education sector from new build primary schools to the refurbishment of colleges and secondary schools in both the state and private sector. We deliver structural and civil engineering design and advice for new build educational facilities, refurbishments, extensions, auditoria, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), student accommodation, temporary or modular classrooms — covering both state and private sectors. We have completed multiple projects for the Oxford Diocese, Oxford University and are proud to be trusted and regularly consulted by several local authorities.

The most successful educational development projects are those where structural and civil engineering is coordinated closely from the start. This collaboration brings significant benefits:

• Improved Site Feasibility and Layout – Civil input from the early stages helps with site access, drainage strategy, earthworks, utilities routing, and road/highway design. This aligns with plans for structural foundations, ground levels, and building orientation, avoiding costly rework or clashes later in the project.

• Risk Mitigation & Regulatory Compliance – Civil engineers ensure that flood risk assessments, sustainable drainage system (SuDS) design, soil investigations, sewer and utility capacity checks are all properly handled. This safeguards against any unnecessary delays in planning permission or unexpected ground or drainage issues during construction.

• Optimised Foundation & Infrastructure Design – By jointly reviewing geotechnical data, ground conditions, and existing site constraints, our structural and civil engineers will recommend the most efficient foundation solutions and make informed decisions on retaining wall designs, and manage cut and fill efficiently. Coordination means that any civil works, such as roads, surfacing, or drainage pipes, don’t conflict with structural foundations or services, and that the drainage, surfacing, external works, and infrastructure are designed to last with adequate access for maintenance.

• Enhanced Phasing, Access & Construction Planning – Civil engineers contribute to site access plans, traffic management (especially for deliveries or temporary classrooms), and temporary works. This is critical in an operational school environment where safety and minimum disruption are essential. Structural design must anticipate these constraints — for example, placing structural columns, load paths, and support in ways that allow required access or temporary structures.

Many of the university projects we have worked on, especially in Oxford,  have included refurbishment and remedial work on listed buildings which require special consideration and an appreciation of traditional building techniques. We have also completed several projects ensuring a new build or extension reflects the look and feel of the existing historic buildings and design solutions for unique elements such as arch windows and brick slip lintels.

Working in the education sector is a unique environment, and we are sensitive to the fact that schools and colleges are essentially confined spaces for vulnerable people. We recognise that work needs to be completed within given timescales, and our use of technology enables us to deliver multiple solutions in a dramatically reduced timeframe, as well as a successful build with minimal disruption. Having civil or structural engineers involved not just as designers, but as technical advisors or on retainer, adds a further layer of protection and value to any educational project. We can:

1. Ensure continuous oversight when changes occur. Any client changes to the site layout or revisions to the building footprint can be considered for their civil and structural impact, as well as the consequences for other contractors and service providers.

2. Help maintain design integrity during procurement and construction phases, reviewing all contractor submittals, value engineering proposals to optimise budgets, and ensuring all works adhere to the agreed specifications.

At SWJ Consulting, for our educational building clients, we routinely:

• Undertake joint site assessments with civil and structural teams early in the project to map ground conditions, drainage, utilities, and site access.

• Use advanced modelling (BIM / CAD / Virtual Design & Construction) to overlay structural and civil designs to highlight level, service, drainage or foundation clashes before issuing drawings.

• Offer engineering advice on retainer or as part of partner teams, so when unforeseen changes or risks emerge, we can respond swiftly.

• Ensure that as-built drawings and maintenance documentation cover both structural and civil components, giving schools or universities clarity for long-term asset management.